Rise from the coffin and rebuild the vampire empire

Chapter 239 Rebound
"[Ding! The population of the faction has expanded to 100,000.]"

Receive the reward of destiny.

Trade center: Increase its attractiveness to merchants.

"[Ding! The population of the faction has expanded to 150,000.]"

Destiny rewards upgraded.

Starting from scratch and growing to a considerable scale: grain production increased by 20%.

"[Ding! The population of the faction has expanded to 200,000.]"

Receive the reward of destiny.

The New World Craze: Increased Attractiveness to Immigrants.

"[Ding! The population of the faction has expanded to 250,000.]"

Receive the reward of destiny.

Yowards log production: Timber output increased by 15%.

"[Ding! The population of the faction has expanded to 300,000.]"

Receive the reward of destiny.

Morale is boosted: Army loyalty is increased.

The system kept popping up messages, these were the Destiny rewards obtained after expanding the scale of the power. At once, I received five, no, four, one of which was a previous upgrade.

[Initially Established], [Vampire Identity], [Racial Harmony], [Salt Land], [Trade Center], [New World Craze], [Yowold Timber Production Area], [Military Morale Available], the Blood Oath now boasts eight buffs, all of which are quite significant.

[Initially established] Needless to say, the grain yield is very obvious. This time it directly reached +20%, which is quite exaggerated. The yield increased by one-fifth. No fertilizer can do this well. The main thing is that this one-fifth was free.

The two Destiny rewards, [Salt Land] and [Yoward Timber Production Area], have similar effects to [Initial Establishment], both providing bonuses to specific products. Salt is due to the abundance of "Wangbo Port", and "Yoward Timber" is naturally due to the addition of "Shilin Port". Currently, the main ports exporting "Yoward Timber" are basically under the control of [Blood Oath Alliance].

Other small colonies could also cut down trees, but after they finished, they mostly sent them to "Stone Forest Port" to sell. Only a small number of forces would take them back to the "Old World" on their own.

Therefore, "Yuward Logs" have naturally become an important commodity for the Blood Oath Alliance, and large-scale trade is conducted in "Stone Forest Port" and "Wangbo Port".

The "Trade Center" and "New World Craze" were clearly acquired because of the addition of "Shilin Port." "Shilin Port" was the trade center of the entire "New World" and an important reason for the wave of immigration to the "New World."

The addition of "Stone Forest Port" has greatly enhanced the [Blood Oath Alliance]. These new Destiny rewards are based on the situation of "Stone Forest Port". If the rewards were given based solely on the current situation of the [Blood Oath Alliance], it would be impossible to obtain these Destiny rewards; it would be completely insufficient.

However, the "mobility of the army" should be based on the existing strength of the "Blood Oath Alliance". At least the military strength of the "Blood Oath Alliance" is definitely stronger than that of "Stone Forest Port".

"Now we'll see if the effects of the two destiny rewards, [Vampire Identity] and [Racial Harmony], can influence Stone Forest Port."

Looking at the system panel, Karen pondered. Logically, it should definitely take effect, since "Shilin Port" had already been included in the system's jurisdiction, which meant that "Shilin Port" was also within the effective range of these destiny rewards, and the people of "Shilin Port" would also be affected.

But the problem is that they, the vampires, cannot openly appear in "Stone Forest Port" for the time being, so how can people accept them?

Karen was somewhat puzzled. He couldn't figure out how this thing would work. As for [Racial Harmony], it could be somewhat useful in "Stone Forest Port," because "Stone Forest Port" was a melting pot of all kinds of creatures.

Let's observe further.

Karen wasn't in a hurry. He wanted to see what Shilin Shiyue could achieve first. The situation in Shilin Port was quite complicated. Could the governor and count who had built Shilin Port continue to control it after becoming a vampire?

Shi Lin Shi Yue, who had already returned to Shi Lin Port, was unaware that Karen was observing him, but he also knew that he had a heavy responsibility on his shoulders, and the importance of Shi Lin Port was beyond doubt.

But all that aside, his first priority is to solidify his position, prevent those with ulterior motives from taking advantage of the situation, and prevent those ambitious individuals from stealing power from his hands.

With an eye patch on, Shi Lin Shi Yue was determined to go all the way. He could use the powerful regenerative abilities of the vampires to regenerate his eyeballs, but that would undoubtedly increase the risk of exposure. So he simply chose not to regenerate and just left it as it was.

At this stage, he plans to wear an eye patch to make himself more visible and to constantly remind those he has saved that he paid a terrible price to bring them back.

At this stage, it is undoubtedly very important to firmly win over and unite these soldiers around him, as he needs these people to control the situation in "Shilin Port".

"Will, gather everyone together for a meeting."

After putting on the blindfold, Shi Lin Shi Yue gave an order.

"Yes, father."

Beside Shi Lin Shi Yue was his eldest son, Will Shi Lin. His eldest son now looked at his father with increasing admiration. The defeat had not diminished his admiration; on the contrary, it had only increased his worship.

Unfortunately, victory and defeat are common occurrences in warfare, and no one can say for sure that they will win every battle or war.

What truly matters is the personal charisma and extraordinary courage a person displays. This is the key to inspiring people to follow and admire them, just like the succubus Liu Bei, who, despite spending half his life wandering, still had a large following.

At this moment, Shi Lin Shi Yue had regained his spirits. He no longer indulged in pleasure and returned to the way he was during his entrepreneurial days. As a vampire, he would face more challenges and would have to start out outwitting and outmaneuvering others again.

Now is not the time for pleasure. With eternal life, one will have ample time to enjoy pleasure if desired in the future.

After Will Stone Forest left, he soon summoned all the officials of Stone Forest Port, including Stone Forest Moon's staff, and they all gathered in the hall of Stone Forest Castle.

Looking at Earl Shilin sitting in the head seat, the officials of all levels in Shilin Port were very cautious. After all, Earl Shilin had just suffered a great defeat and lost an eye. Compared with that, the loss of property was nothing.

Under these circumstances, no one wanted to risk being targeted by Earl Shilin, for if they became his target for venting his anger, there would be no way to seek justice.

The officials were all quite obedient; no one caused any trouble. After all, the news that Earl Shilin had spent a fortune and even lost an eye to exchange all the captured soldiers for him had spread throughout Shilin Port. At this moment, the soldiers were extremely loyal to Earl Shilin as their leader, and the people of Shilin Port praised his actions. It could be said that Earl Shilin's defeat had not actually shaken his position; on the contrary, it had, to some extent, made him even more popular.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, the majority of the losses at Stone Forest Port this time were suffered by mercenaries, while the actual losses of the local troops were not too great. On the contrary, a lot of people had received favors from Earl Stone Forest, so it is quite normal for this situation to occur.

Everyone knows that the one who suffered the greatest loss was Earl Shilin himself, who lost a large amount of money and an eye.

The officials were all deeply moved, saying that the Earl of Shilin's public opinion guidance was extremely successful, a textbook example of a brave man cutting off his own arm to save the day. Everyone admired the Earl of Shilin's decisiveness, and could only say that he was indeed the man who single-handedly created the "Shilin Port" enterprise.

"Proceed with everything in an orderly manner, avoid any disturbances, treat the families of the fallen soldiers well, and provide them with adequate compensation."

Shi Lin Shi Yue spoke first, mentioning the most important matter: maintaining stability and preventing any unrest in Shi Lin Port due to the defeat. He also stressed the need to comfort the families of the fallen soldiers who had not brought back their bodies.
"Yes, my lord."

No one objected to Earl Shilin's arrangements. Since Earl Shilin was unharmed and had even preserved his base of support, they would naturally continue to gravitate towards him.

This is very realistic. If Count Shilin loses all his cards, the people who were originally around him will quickly disperse.

The saying "when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter" applies here. If you want others to revolve around you, you have to offer enough benefits. Without enough benefits, why would anyone risk their life for you?

"Is there anything the church is doing?"

After giving the first order, Shi Lin Shi Yue then asked a question, his gaze turning to the old man who was in charge of liaising with the church.

"No, sir, they are all very honest."

Drotas stepped forward and replied, "He's a very tough guy, with an upright face, and he looks like a person with a strong personality."

As a follower of Shilin·Shiyue, Drotas's tough personality is the reason why he is able to take charge of liaising with the church, and he is not a devout believer of any particular church.

Although Shi Lin Shi Yue accepted those churches, he never relinquished power to them and strictly controlled their infiltration. These tasks required a subordinate who would not easily compromise, and Drotas was very suitable.

“Very good, Drotas, keep an eye on them.”

Shi Lin Shi Yue nodded. He had always trusted Drotas. His old friend was straightforward and tough enough, and they had a very good relationship.

"Yes! Your lord!"

"Drotas answered loudly," he seemed pleased, pleased for Shilin Shiyue. He was happy to see Shilin Shiyue's transformation. Although she had suffered a major defeat, lost a lot of money, and even lost an eye, Shilin Shiyue had finally recovered.

In the past few years, Earl Shilin had begun to indulge in pleasure and had lost his ambition. His imposing presence had also disappeared, which made Drotas very anxious. He was afraid that if things continued like this, Earl Shilin would completely fall into depravity.

But he was helpless; the Earl of Shilin was no longer willing to listen to advice, and their words could not change his mind.

Unexpectedly, this time Earl Shilin had a breakthrough on his own. Indeed, major setbacks can change a person.

"The troops need to be replenished, and the city's garrison should be maintained at five thousand men."

Shi Lin Shi Yue continued, saying that the lost soldiers should be replaced, five thousand more or less, which was more than enough for the financial resources of Shi Lin Port.

"Yes, my lord."

No one objected; these were things that should be done.

"And over at Wangbo Port. [The Blood Oath Pact] over there."

After talking about a lot of things, Shi Lin Shi Yue finally brought up the Blood Oath Pact and "Wangbo Port".

Everyone tensed up, because this was the real highlight.

"My lord, peace is the most important thing; it is not advisable to start another conflict."

Glask stepped forward and said, forcing himself to speak.

We really can't fight anymore. No matter how wealthy we are, we can't afford to be so reckless. The "Carcaenni Province" and the "Margras Province" have already given up. There's no need for "Shilin Port" to fight head-on. With those two provinces setting an example, it's really not shameful.

At this moment, Grasker was afraid that Earl Stone Forest would lose his temper and insist on fighting to the death with the Blood Oath and "Wangbo Port".

Although the existence of the "black market" in "Wangbo Port" has harmed the interests of "Shilin Port", after a series of policies were introduced, the economy of "Shilin Port" has actually recovered to some extent and has not been endlessly losing money. After all, some people are willing to take risks, while others prefer stability.

Especially after the "black-on-black" situation at sea became more and more serious, more people chose the stable "Shilin Port". Although they did not earn as much, they would not risk their lives.

In short, in Glask's view, making peace with the Blood Oath and "Wangbo Port" is not shameful at all. Continuing to fight would not benefit them at all. Everyone has realized their mistake, and now no one mentions destroying the Blood Oath anymore.

"Don't worry, it won't happen again."

Seeing the anxious crowd, Shi Lin Shi Yue spoke up, which reassured everyone.

"We live in peace with them and engage in fair trade."

Shi Lin Shi Yue's attitude surprised everyone. It seems that this defeat has indeed brought about a great change in Earl Shi Lin, as he has calmly accepted the outcome of the defeat.

“That’s right, we can also do business in Wangpo Port.”

When the topic of interests came up, the people below started discussing among themselves. Fighting was no longer an option, and they could no longer control the other party based on the blood oath. Now that they were the weaker party, they became more obedient and started thinking about doing business.

"Let's discuss and come up with a plan to minimize our losses."

Shi Lin Shi Yue spoke up, saying that he would definitely not target the Blood Oath Alliance anymore, and would even help them openly or secretly.

(End of this chapter)